In the unreal world of Sacred Heart Hospital, John "J.D." Dorian learns the ways of medicine, friendship and life.
John Dorian, "J.D." to friends, is a boyishly handsome, self-deprecatingly funny, likeable guy who would be confident if he only realized his assets. Four years of medical school have prepared J.D. for his first day as an intern at Sacred Heart Hospital - but he has his doubts.
J.D. tries to persuade a smoker patient to quit smoking in order to impress Dr. Cox, who is just feeling lonely in his opinion. Elliot's attitude towards Carla annoys her, thus Turk is able to go on a date with Carla, when he convinces her to forgive Elliot.
J.D. begins to feel distant from Turk, when he leaves him abandoned every time that he tries to talk to him. Elliot fights with Kelso for calling her "sweetheart," and she seeks Dr. Cox's advice. J.D.'s relationship with Elliot goes in a time race, when he has 48 hours to kiss her before he is put into her "Friend Zone."
The three interns are each assigned patients with various illnesses. Statistically speaking, one of the three is going to die. J.D.'s patient is 86 year old Mrs. Tanner, who is in renal failure. 20 year old David Morrison is Turk's hernia patient and Elliot's patient Mrs. Guerrero only speaks Spanish and might have lupus.
J.D. points out what seems to be a technical mistake to Dr. Kelso, but it was really an attempt of Dr. Cox to save a woman without insurance using a dead guy's insurance. Dr. Kelso and Dr. Cox show J.D. their different ways of looking at medicine. Meanwhile, the Janitor intimidates J.D., Elliot discovers the healing powers of her boobs and Turk gives Carla a pen he thought he took from the Lost and Found box.
Dr. Cox is still facing the threat of suspension, and coincidentally, J.D. is assigned to a special patient: Jordan Sullivan, an important board member. Elliot is assigned to take care of a shrink whose jaw has been wired shut. Carla's mom makes a scandal after Turk spends the night at Carla's.
J.D. has finally earned the spot as brightest student, but he's got competition: Nick Murdoch, who seems to be nicer, friendlier and has a better butt than him. But even J.D. can't hate the guy. Turk is having problems at the operation table and doesn't tell Carla, who keeps bothering Dr. Cox about it.
J.D. and Turk become heroes after saving a cameraman's life on TV. J.D. worries about his evaluation. Carla blows off a night at the bar with Elliot.
J.D. gets to see the hospital through the eyes of a patient. Elliot examines him while Dr. Cox is trying to show off to his mentor, Dr. Benson, the ex-chief of medicine.
J.D. gains a new nickname - "Scooter" - and Dr. Cox gives Elliot the evil eye when she won't discharge a troublesome patient.
It's Christmas, and Dr. Cox has J.D. videotape the birth of the child of one of his friends.
Afraid a woman might sue the hospital, Dr. Kelso asks J.D. to stand by her and be friendly, so she won't sue them. Elliot is desperate for attention from Dr. Cox and Turk snaps at Carla when she steals fries from his plate.
J.D. is frustrated when his budding romance is constantly interrupted by emergency calls. Dr. Cox informs the interns how to avoid Dr. Kelso's bite. Carla and Turk deal with their first sexual intimacy complication.
Alex and Elliot argue over missing medication, and J.D. needs to choose sides. Dr. Kelso gives Carla a ride to work and she sees a totally different side of him. Turk finds out that Dr. Cox has secret feelings for Carla.
J.D. and Elliot go to work trying to hide their new secret romance, but everybody already knows it.
Dr. Cox shows up at J.D.'s door. Turk and Elliot partner on a research project and Carla struggles to fulfill a comatose patient's final request.
J.D., Elliot and Turk are receiving their first medical students. Turk's student is a very attractive young woman and Elliot's is the son of a CEO.
J.D.'s rude patient dies from cancer. Elliot is convinced Dr. Kelso is a singer and Dr. Cox finds himself trapped in a love square.
An assortment of moms and dads descend on their offspring at home and in the workplace.
Turk's competitiveness is starting to annoy J.D. and Dr. Kelso fires the only nurse that makes good coffee. Elliot meets a very attractive patient.
J.D. fears being contaminated with Hepatitis B. Elliot has a hard time making time for her new relationship. Turk obsesses about getting in shape.
Jordan's brother Ben is admitted at Sacred Heart for having an accident with a nail gun. J.D. goes on a search for test results.
Dr. Cox is the voice of reason and compassion. Turk is upset he wasn't chosen for a difficult surgery, and Elliot is criticized by Dr. Kelso for the 100th time.
It's J.D.'s last day as an intern. Carla and Turk are arguing about dating other people. Elliot finally rebels against being everyone's doormat, and J.D. is just trying to stay out of people's way.
